• In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, sugar and applesauce and beat until smooth.
• Add the egg and molasses, mix well.
• In another large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and spices.
• Add to sugar and molasses mixture, stirring well.
• Divide the dough into two flat balls; cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Dust the surface of your working area with flour before rolling out the dough.
• Work with one ball of dough at a time, keep the other refrigerated while you do so.
• Roll the dough out to 1/4 or 1/8-inch thickness, sprinkle a little flour on top of the dough if it's a little sticky.
• Cut the gingerbread with a cookie cutter shape of your choice.
• Place cookies 1 or 2 inches apart on a silpat-lined baking sheet.
• Bake 10-12 minutes.

For the icing:

• Mix the egg whites with lemon juice.
• Combine with powdered sugar, mixing well. If the icing is too thin, add more powdered sugar, if it's too thick add a drop of lemon juice.
• Use a piping bag to decorate cookies once the cookies are completely cooled.